Hannah Wilkinson’s injury-time strike secured Melbourne City a vital come-from-behind 2-1 Liberty A-League win over Brisbane Roar at Redcliffe.
Wilkinson headed home in the fourth minute of stoppage time to break Roar hearts, her ninth goal of the season enabling the visitors to move three points clear of Adelaide United in second place in the standings.
City had fallen behind on Saturday when Katrina Gorry scored a 71st-minute penalty as the Roar searched for a win that would ignite their push for the top four.
That lead was cancelled out by a stunning free-kick via Rhianna Pollicina from 30 yards in the 79th minute, which found the top corner and gave Roar goalkeeper Mia Bailey no chance.
City refused to settle for salvaging a point, however and stole the victory, again from a free-kick, deep into stoppage time to silence Moreton Daily Stadium as the rain fell.
Wilkinson towered highest as the free-kick was hung up to the back post and headed across goal to again give Bailey no chance.
Brisbane remain seventh with just two wins this season, five points outside the finals positions.
Injury was added to insult for the Roar with what looked like a serious injury to captain Ayesha Norrie in the 65th minute.
The midfielder stayed down after clashing with City’s Leah Davidson, and was subbed off with an apparent right knee issue.
The Roar also had to sub off right back Cannon Clough after she was involved in a head clash with Marisa van der Meer which left both players requiring treatment.
Brisbane meet table-topping Sydney FC on Wednesday, while Melbourne host Western Sydney Wanderers next Sunday.
“Last game, we didn’t really play good, and we started a bit shaky, first half, so there is always a bit of doubt in your mind,” City head coach Rado Vidosic told AAP.
“But we know that we’ve got quality, we know that, and you always like to hope that someone is going to have some kind of magic.
“To be honest that was two magical goals that you won’t probably score again this year.”
